Lieutenant Colonel William Harris (Bill) Kolb retired from the US Army and from Dierks High School. Band Director, age 88, passed from this life on May 28, 2026. Col. Kolb served his country for more than 31 years in the Arkansas Army National Guard and the United States Army. While in the Army, he was stationed in Germany twice for 3 years each time, in Japan for 2 and a half years, and in Vietnam. A few of his assignments were Command of a MASH Hospital, senior medical advisor for the northern sector of South Vietnam, and command of a Medical Battalion on 3 different occasions. After retiring from the Army, he started the band program at Dierks High School and led it for 18 years. He graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, from Webster University with a master’s degree in Health Facilities Management, and from the United States Army Command and General Staff College Officer Course. He was married to his beautiful and wonderful wife, Christa, for 57 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Christa, and his dad, Richard B. Kolb, and his mom, Viva Curtis Kolb; three brothers, Richard, Joseph, and Dennis.
He is survived by three children, Carol Herder of Pittsburg, Pa., Diana Day and Ron of Hot Springs, Ark., and Mark Kolb and Cindy of Mary Esther, Fla., six grandchildren, Amanda Phillips, Meggan Phillips, Michael Herder, Elizabeth Herder, Daniel Kolb, and Matthew Kolb, and one great-grandchild, Pierce Gilbert; one brother, James, and three sisters, Maria, Dora, and Katy; and good friends, Jimmy and Lana Gilbert.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, there will be no funeral.
A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Greens Chapel Cemetery, with Mark Kolb officiating.
Cremation arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral home in De Queen.
You may leave a condolence online at www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com.
